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Facial Reconstruction

Houston Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Gill performs many rewarding reconstructive procedures in his practice, but some of the most advanced techniques involve reconstructing parts of the face, which may be necessary in cases of injury, birth defects and other indications.

If You're Considering Facial Reconstruction

If you have a recent facial injury, you first want to receive emergency medical assistance. After you have done this, your doctor may suggest that in order to repair the injury you visit a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Houston area, like Dr. Gill. Depending on your injury, simple tissue repair may not be sufficient and Dr. Gill may need to work with the underlying structures of the face, like bone and cartilage. The following types of facial trauma may necessitate the skilled hands of Dr. Gill:

• Facial fractures
• Facial lacerations
• Injuries to the face, head or jaw
• Dental injuries
• Birth defects or deformities
• Tumors

If Dr. Gill evaluates your medical condition, which may involve scans and x-rays, and determines that you would benefit from facial reconstructive surgery, you will need to meet certain conditions. You should be otherwise healthy and a non-smoker, as this will aid in proper healing. You should also understand that facial reconstruction can be a huge undertaking; the changes and recovery steps you will encounter can have a strong emotional impact.

As noted, facial reconstruction can cover a variety of facial conditions and your surgery will be customized to meet your needs. In some cases,  tissue repair (like skin grafts or more simple suturing techniques) will be inadequate and Dr. Gill may need to use bone grafts, as well. The grafts may be taken from elsewhere on your skull, pelvis or ribs. Your bone structure may need to be repositioned and your jaw may need to be wired shut to promote healing.

What to Expect in Surgery

Your facial reconstruction will be performed when you are under a general anesthetic and may take several hours to complete.

Dr. Gill's ultimate goal in surgery will be to make incisions in inconspicuous places to help restore the aesthetics of your face and to maintain or restore function. Though Dr. Gill may need to use special fixation devices to hold the bones in place, an invasive measure that will result in the best possible outcome for you. This may include the placement of small plates and screws or tooth splints to correct dental injury.

In the case of dental injuries, you will also need to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon as a part of the reconstructive process.

Recovering from Facial Reconstruction

Following facial reconstruction, you should expect up to several weeks or months before making a full recovery. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to help you regain full control of your face. In the initial recovery period, you will likely experience swelling and discomfort and Dr. Gill will prescribe medication to manage pain. Any further recovery instructions he provides should be closely followed to ensure proper healing.

To learn more about the advanced facial reconstruction techniques Dr. Paul Gill employs to correct a range of conditions, we encourage you to contact his Houston plastic surgery practice to set up a consultation. Our Houston practice is convenient for residents of The Woodlands, Kingwood and Conroe, Texas. Call us at 281-853-5308 or use the online email form to contact us.